BRUSSELS
The Turkish state-run disaster agency Wednesday joined the EU’s coordinating body for humanitarian crises.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) signed up to join the Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates the responses of the 28-member bloc and three other states to disasters around the world.
"[Turkey] knows about national disasters therefore [its] experience and expertise will be valuable," Christos Stylianides, the EU’s humanitarian aid commissioner, said at the Brussels ceremony.
"The most important aspect about Turkey joining the mechanisms is the opportunity to establish a systematic and trusted relationship."
AFAD President Fuat Oktay added: "Let me emphasize that Turkey intends to actively contribute to the mechanism both at policy-shaping and decision-making levels."
As well as coordinating a European response to disasters, the EU scheme, established in 2001, promotes best practice and training.
Turkey is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries and has a wealth of expertise in dealing with natural disasters. Around 200 emergency staff are currently assisting rescue and relief efforts in Nepal.
